He almost got through the whole press conference without making a headline-making remark.
Eddie Jones was gracious in defeat after England’s winning run was halted at 18 by Ireland at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin in the final game of this year’s Six Nations.
“Ireland played superbly,” said Jones.
“They were too good on the day and fair play to them.”
One of the key players for Ireland in their 13-9 victory was Peter O’Mahony, who was drafted in as a late replacement for the injured Jamie Heaslip [upper hamstring strain].
It was always going to be like this… https://t.co/Pn49JB7WAl
— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) March 18, 2017
Jones dismissed the notion that Heaslip’s pre-match injury was a pre-planned ruse to throw England off.
Pressed on the matter, a smiling Jones remarked:
“Maybe a Leprechaun tackled him in the warm-up.”
With that, Jones was away. He has been England coach for 15 months and has won two Six Nations championships.
He is a quirky character and never shies away from making a comment or two.
Asked about that Heaslip injury theory, Ireland coach Joe Schmidt was less than impressed.
"Couldn't be a more flawed theory… It's a bit of a slight on us, that theory"
Joe Schmidt on claims Heaslip injury was a ruse
— Pat McCarry (@patmccarry) March 18, 2017
Heaslip was definitely NOT tackled by a Leprechaun, and will go for a scan on that injured hamstring in the coming days.
It’s never dull when these sides collide.
Catch up with this week’s episode of 888sport Football Friday Live
